NEWSLETTER

OUR MISSION: To preserve the natural and cultural heritage of El Charco del Ingenio, and maintain a botanical garden dedicated to the conservation and study of regional flora and ecosystems, with a primary focus on environmental education.

“All those years, we imagined that we had freed ourselves from nature’s bonds, that we were the boss. There was a part of the story we couldn’t yet see: our machines were filling the atmosphere with greenhouse gases. Could it be that we were not the masters, after all, that we were just guests here and we can get evicted for bad behaviour?”

Naomi Klein
This Changes Everything. Capitalism vs. The Climate

2015: WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Everyone in San Miguel (and generally in the central highlands of Mexico) was surprised by the series of climate changes which occurred this year. After a very mild winter, with no significant frost, a very atypical, unusual Spring arrived with rains that began in March and continued in April and part of May. Farmers kept looking at the sky and wondered: sow at once or we wait for June? The most surprising thing was that the "rainy season" (June, July and August) brought low and irregular rainfall, leading to a drought during September and October. And now November begins with rain again... What's going on?
Seemingly the effects of global climate change are becoming increasingly conspicuous and dramatic, especially in certain regions of the world, such as ours. Climate disruption --among other reasons-- is causing ecological cycles to be out of phase in basic processes of the natural world. Suddenly, a flowering plant species is ready to be fertilized and its pollinator (bee, butterfly, hummingbird) does not show up or is late for the appointment; or vice versa, the pollinator arrives when the plant has not yet blossomed, resulting in lack of fertilization for the first one and no nectar for the last one... And these situations, widespread and sudden, without enough time for evolutionary adaptation, can lead to an ecological debacle with unpredictable consequences, considering the constant interaction of ecosystems --from which we humans depend on.
Is it imaginable to have economic development and social prosperity without the natural components that sustain life?

PARTICIPATORY MONITORING OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY

Migration season! Not only of birds but also butterflies, and one of our favourite characters is the Monarch Butterfly.
Monarchs travel from southern Canada and northeast United States in three migratory routes: one that goes to California, one to Cuba and another to central Mexico. Michoacan and the State of Mexico are the sites where the butterfly eventually spends the Winter. However, states that are part of the migratory route, such as Guanajuato, are of great importance for the conservation of the species, because during the long journey of thousands of miles, they feed, rest and meet many threats that can decrease the number of individuals which finally reach their destination.
A strategy that is currently underway in Mexico to protect the Monarch, is based on the participation of not only officials or scientists, but ordinary people. No need to be a specialist to assist in this strategy; whoever so wishes can do so. How? Reporting butterflies in transit, their quantity and their behaviour. This contribution can be done in two ways: by downloading the attached form, to fill it and send it to the address below, or by taking a photograph and uploading it to the NaturaLista portal of CONABIO (the scientific Mexican agency for Conservation of Biodiversity).

XXVIII MEETING OF NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

Botanical gardens play a key role in plant conservation, research and environmental education. The Mexican Association of Botanical Gardens (AMJB) was founded in 1980. Since then it convokes and integrates the botanical gardens in the country to foster relationships between them and reaffirm their participation in society. It also organizes an annual conference where, through presentations, workshops and meetings, criteria are unified for the achievement of common goals.

El Charco del Ingenio has been a member of the AMJB since 2002 and participated enthusiastically in the 2015 meeting in Oaxaca, obtaining an interesting and inspiring experience, encouraging us even more to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Botanical Garden throughout 2016.

Mario Hernandez, Director of El Charco, received from Emiliano Sanchez, President of the AMJB, a commemorative certificate as an official member of the Association.

We thank the Organizing Committee and sponsors for their kind hospitality for such an enriching encounter.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE END OF THE YEAR

DAY OF THE DEAD ALTARS IN EL CHARCO

October 31st to November 2nd / 9am to 6pm

Like every year, the Botanical Gardens sets up an altar dedicated to those near and dear to our project who are no longer with us. Through this altar we express our love and respect for this deeply rooted Mexican tradition through which we confront the Great Mystery and which brings us close to our loved ones who we miss and carry in our hearts.

BIRD ILLUSTRATION COURSE

November 16 to 20
Limited availabilityRegister before October 15

As part of the collaboration between El Charco del Ingenio and the Botanical Garden in Denver, Colorado, this course will begin with an observation visit at the Botanical Garden and the study of the subject matter in motion, then drawing birds at rest and in flight.
In class the anatomy and physical characteristics of birds will be taught in a group setting as well as with individual attention. And it will end with the development of a sophisticated design ready to be framed or displayed, or to be included in a personal portfolio.
For more information:
charcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP PARTY – SPECIAL OFFER

To renew or become a member of El Charco
December 2nd 6-9p.m. Posada Corazon (Aldama 9, Centro)

Join us at one of the most beautiful B&Bs and urban orchard in town for wine, botanas and live music offered by Posada Corazon. We are extending a discount to everyone who either renews their membership that evening or becomes a new member. Instead of the usual 700pesos, this evening supporting El Charco as a member will be only 600pesos for a one year membership for you and two other people to enjoy free entrance. Membership has other rewards as well such as receiving discounts to events and workshops. Board members, including the President, Cesar Arias, and staff members including our Directors will be attending as well and if you have any comments, questions or suggestions, they will be available for a discussion. This is a wonderful opportunity to help sustain one of San Miguel’s jewels and enjoy yourself at the same time. Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there.

Five Reasons to be a member of the Botanical Garden:

❂ Knowing that we are helping to protect more than 150 species of birds, 32 of mammals, 110 of butterflies and over 500 species of native flora.
❂ proud to support environmental education and a growing environmental awareness in relation to our geographic region.
❂ Free access to the Nature Reserve Botanical Garden any day of the year.
❂Free access for two accompanying guests at any time.
❂ Able to call El Charco del Ingenio, this "sanctuary of peace", our home.

2nd REED AND BIOCONSTRUCTION FAIR

Bird-watching Tours

Every first and third Wednesday of the month, 9 am – 11:30 am. English Cost: 100 pesos general public | 60 pesos El Charco members
Guides include Signe Hammer, Norman Besman, Luke Rich and Michael Wheatcroft.
The walks are for birders of all levels. They begin at 9:00 am and last about 2 1/2 hours. No reservations needed, and feel free to leave the walk at any time. Please bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water. Your guide will meet you after you pass through the Reception area of the Botanical Garden.

Come and bird watch with us – you’ll be surprised!!

TOURS IN SPANISH available. Saturday 10 & 24th, at 8a.m.

Info.:charcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

Guided Tours in El Charco

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am| in English
Duration: two hours Cost: $80 pesos, members $50

Visit the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, the Scented Garden and the canyon, archeological ruins and much more. We recommend you wear sunscreen, and bring a hat.

Don’t forget the free transportation from town to El Charco on these days.

THE FULL MOON CEREMONY

Wednesday, November 25th | 7p.m. | admission 30pesos

We invite everyone to this open celebration that has been taking place for many years during the full moon cycle at the Four Winds Plaza in the Botanical Garden under the always surprising direction of Alicia Mayo. It’s worth arriving a little early to admire the setting of the sun and the appearance of the moon over the mountains. You may want to bring a coat for cool evenings and you may bring a musical instrument.

This sweat-lodge steam bath, of ritual and healing character, takes place under the direction of an experienced temazcal leader in the ruins of the hacienda located in the Botanical Garden on the far side of the reservoir.
The combination of heat, humidity and fragrant herbs provides a purifying experience for the body and spirit. Its benefits are multiple: it activates circulation, increases the body’s defenses, eliminates pains, decreases uric acid, relaxes the muscles, regulates the nervous system, stimulates respiration and is excellent for losing weight.

We suggest bringing a flashlight for when you go from the temazal to the reception

FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN FROM THE HISTORICAL CENTER

COMING TO EL CHARCO BY TAXI?

Some of visitors use taxis for transportation to the Botanical Garden. However, some may have doubts about how to return to town. We remind all our visitors and users that El Charco has an agreement with radio taxis company of San Miguel for safe transfer from El Charco to the center or other parts of the city. Just ask for a taxi at the reception Garden. The fee for the return trip is 60 pesos-a little more than one-way fare to Charco from the center, which should not be more than 40 pesos. We recommend you and the driver agree on the fare before boarding the taxi.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Throughout its existence, El Charco has published several books and pamphlets in Spanish and English, on flora and natural resources of the reserve and the region of San Miguel de Allende. To these, other publications by researchers and scientific institutions on related subjects have been added. All are issues of great interest and quality, and are on sale at the Gift Shop.